Memorial Day Concerts, Parades, Wreath-Laying Ceremonies, Rolling Thunder

Memorial Day 2013—the unofficial kick-off for summer—is Monday, May 27, but concerts, fireworks and other events last all of Memorial Day weekend throughout DC and Northern Virginia.

Here’s a round-up of what’s happening locally.

• Traveling to the beach or out of town? Check out: Gas Prices Up Ahead of Memorial Day.

National Memorial Day Concert in DC

The evening of Sunday, May 26, head out to the Capitol’s West Lawn the annual Memorial Day concert. This year, actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise are expected along with performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, “The Voice” star Chris Mann, the UK’s Katherine Jenkins and others.

 The concert starts at 8 p.m. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. More information on the National Memorial Day Concert is here.

National Memorial Day Parade in DC

The annual National Memorial Day Parade in DC features a tribute to Sept. 11 victims, a salute to the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan. The parade starts Monday at 2 p.m. and runs along Constitutional Avenue between 7th and 17th streets NW. More information on the National Memorial Day Parade is here. Can’t make it? The parade will be streamed live online and broadcast on television.

Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Concert at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery plans a wreath-laying ceremony and concert at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11 a.m. Monday. A public observance gathering will follow. The entire cemetery will be decorated with flags throughout Memorial Day Weekend. More information on Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day events is here.

Additional Wreath-Laying Ceremonies

• 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25 at the Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
• 9 a.m. Monday May 27 at the World War II Memorial
• 9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the Air Force Memorial
• 1 p.m. Monday, May 27 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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More Events Across Northern Virginia

Rolling Thunder

Thousands of motorcycle riders will descend on Arlington and DC this weekend for the annual Rolling Thuder Memorial Day weekend gathering. Rolling Thunder will depart from the Pentagon at noon on Sunday, May 26. There will be a speakers and a concert at 1:30 p.m. at the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. See more about Rolling Thunder here.

Wolf Trap National Park Summer Blast Off

8 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The U.S. Marine Corps Band will perform. See more information here.

Summer Celebration at Mount Vernon

6 – 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 24 – 26 with evening tours of the Mount Vernon Estate, dancing, games and wagon rides. See more information on the Summer Celebration at Mount Vernon here.

Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival

1 – 7 p.m. Monday, May 27 at Waterfront Park, 1 Prince St. in Alexandria. Big band, swing and other jazz music. See more about the Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival here. 

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 27. The festival includes pony rides, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment and a parade. See more about the Falls Church Memorial Day Festival here.

Viva Vienna

Saturday through Monday, May 25 – 27 in Vienna. The community festival includes food, crafts, music, carnival rides and more. More about Viva Vienna is available here.

How are you celebrating Memorial Day this year? Tell us in the comments!